It is a popular myth that in order to practice yoga, you must be naturally flexible.
Yoga, however, is not just for those who are already incredibly flexible. Instead, it is a result of a regular yoga practice. Yoga is just what you need if you have stiff hamstrings, hips, calves, shoulders, or any other muscle group.
Yoga’s increased flexibility is a huge benefit: it improves range of motion and joint health, which helps prevent back discomfort, repetitive-use injuries, and sports injuries.
Many asanas in the ancient practice of yoga can help you become more flexible in a safe way. Here are 5 such asanas that promote overall body flexibility:
5 Yoga Poses For Body Flexibility:
1. Marjariasana (cat stretch)
Benefits:
- Good for spine flexibility and back pain
- Reduces neck and shoulder stiffness
Get down on your knees and palms.
Keep palms shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart.
Inhale and raise your chin up, tilting your head backward.
At the same time, lower your spine so that it curves inwards towards the floor (in a concave shape).
Hold this pose for 5-6 seconds. Exhale, bring your chin down, and arch your back upwards.
Hold this pose and wait for a few seconds, before releasing.
Recommended Story – Yoga For Weight Loss: Burn Calories The Yogic Way
2. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Benefits:
- Improves blood circulation and digestion
- Stretches back muscles
Lie face down.
Lift your feet bending your knees, and grasp your ankles with your hands. Your knees should be hip-width apart.
Inhale deeply. Elevate your chest and raise your thighs off the floor.
Hold this pose for 20 seconds. Exhale as you relax.
3. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Benefits:
- Releases tension in the chest
Sit with your knees bent and your heels tucked under your seat.
Place your knees hip-width apart. Bend forward, keeping your torso between your thighs.
Swing your arms forward. Stay in this pose for some time before you straighten up again.
4. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose)
Benefits:
- Focuses on hamstrings
- Tones arms and legs
Come on your hands and knees.
Keep your knees directly below the hips and hands a little in front of your shoulders.
Lift your knees from the floor, making your legs straight and pushing your hips upwards and back.
Place your palms flat on the floor and your arms straight. The head should be between the arms.
Your body appears to be in inverted V-shape with this pose.
Breathe deeply and hold this pose for some time before relaxing.
5. Halasana (Plow Pose)
Benefits:
- Improves blood flow to the brain
- Reduces stress and fatigue by stretching back and neck
Lie on your back with your hands on either sides.
Lift your legs until it is perpendicular to the floor.
Bend your elbows to place your palms under your waist.
With your hands, push your legs over your head till they are at a 180° angle.
Stretch your legs and aim to touch the floor with your toes. Hold this position for a couple of seconds.
These postures are a terrific place to start, but keep in mind that yoga’s overall ‘body and mind’ approach is what makes it one of the most effective ways to improve your flexibility, as well as a great remedy for a variety of physical and mental health issues.
Make yoga a daily habit, today and watch your body becoming more and more flexible every single day!
Also Read – Face Yoga: 5 Exercises For A Youthful Looking Face
